STRI Expansion Plans Beyond Europe

Following on from recent negotiations, which resulted in STRI becoming an official business partner with the European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA), STRI has been pursuing expansion plans beyond Europe. Gordon McKillop, Chief Executive, recently signed an agreement with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) to carry out joint projects in Asia and Australasia.

'To be seen as world class, we need to work alongside the world's best and STRI is just that', said Keith McAuliffe, Chief Executive for NZSTI.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is designed to strengthen and encourage joint venture projects. One of the key targets for STRI and the NZSTI will be to lend support and offer their combined expertise to each other's organization, particularly when tendering for and delivering large projects and events.

'The intent is to provide specialist backup and support in order to optimize results and achieve economies of scale, explained Gordon McKillop.

Given that both organisations were created back in the 1900s, as a direct result of their research capabilities, it is not surprising that they are also looking at opportunities for collaborative research. The similarities between New Zealand and the UK turf industries, makes research data for both golf and sports surfaces directly applicable to both countries.

The MOU agreement cements a long-standing relationship between STRI and the NZSTI. Regular contact and the sharing of information have been maintained over the years, including a staff exchange programme.